RADNOR, Pa., April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The VWR Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to giving back to the science community, distributed 10 grants totaling over $85,000 during the first quarter of 2016. The Foundation supports organizations and programs that are in alignment with its three strategic priorities – research, health and well-being, and science education.

One of the recipients included Azusa Pacific University (APU) in Azusa, CA, whose mission is to provide an environment where undergraduate students can develop and learn to integrate their faith into their lives as scientists. The grant will provide funds for its Mentoring Under-Represented Students in the Student to Scholar (S2S) program.

Jon R. Wallace, President of APU, commented, "Over the past five years, the VWR Foundation has awarded APU five grants totaling over $40,000. These funds have supported 15 students in the S2S program, giving them the financial position to work at the lab bench exploring research questions. Many of our under-represented students have gone on to pursue doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines. The VWR Foundation grant has enabled students to immerse themselves in scientific research and enriched their pursuit of STEM careers."

An S2S student added, "This opportunity has given me the chance to explore research in the science field; something I was not familiar with. I'm very grateful for this chance because it opened my eyes to a new field and helped boost my confidence as a future female scientist."

Other organizations who were awarded grants from the VWR Foundation include Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation in Alameda, CA; Austin Science Education Foundation in Austin, TX; College of St. Mary in Omaha, NE; Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ; PTA North Carolina Congress in Fuquay Varina, NC; Science from Scientists in Boston, MA; St. Louis School in Pittsford, NY; The Branson School in Ross, CA; and Westtown School in West Chester, PA.

About the VWR Foundation

Established in 20019 by a group of associates from VWR (NASDAQ: VWR), the VWR Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back to the science community. The VWR Foundation as donated more than $1.5 million dollars since its inception, supporting organizations and programs that align with its three strategic priorities: research for new innovation and scientific applications; improving health and well-being; and building greater awareness and improvement in science education. To find more information about the VWR Foundation, including a grant application, please visit www.vwrfoundation.org.